Funniest Harry Potter Fan

Oh, she's so funny!

Hi, how can I help you today?

I finally got a job as a customer service at a mall. Hurray!

It's not a full-time job, it's a seasonal part-time job, but that's totally fine. At least I am working, gaining experience, getting to know people, and learning new things that could help me for the future.

I am currently working at the customer service front desk at a mall. So my duties include giving directions to stores, answering the phone, gift-wrapping, offering photocopying and faxing services, and other duties. I like it very much so far. The people I work with are really nice, and since day 1 they have been helping me a lot; telling me how things work, how to do something properly, how to talk to customers, etc. They are really nice and have some sense of humour. Very generous. The girls are great, they know a lot, and although some are kinda competitive, a lot of times they are really nice and they try to get to know me. The guys I have worked with are hilarious, very funny guys. Very helpful, yet always have some time to joke around.

My managers are nice too. They have been very helpful and I respect them a lot. They also have a sense of humour. I find that so important regarded to the personality of a manager. That you feel at ease with them, and not feel threatened or scared. And because of that, the person hired will have a stronger sense of connection and communication with the manager, and enjoy work.

The most difficult part of my job is to learn ALL and Every Single store in the mall. Locate them and give the simplest directions to customers. I have gone through three phases:

Phase 1: only know the stores you go to, and have no idea where the heck the other stores are or how to get there.
Phase 2: know the majority of the stores, but get them all confused. Danger: giving false directions to customers.
Phase 3: know the most popular stores and biggest stores.

So, I'm on it. I porbably know how to get to most stores, but small stores or stores that people don't usually ask for, I get stuck and I need to double-check with my co-workers. Thankfully I made a SUPER map that I created myself, with the floor of the mall with every single store. I have gotten lots of praises for it and have been told that that's called dedication.

Even more, today, this lady came up to me and said:
Lady: where could you go for big sizes clothing?
Me: Hm, I'm thinking of Laura Plus, which is straight ahead and then turn left.
Lady: where is the Apple store?
Me: straight down the hallway, on your right side.
Lady: could I get a coffee nearby there?
Me: yes, there is a Second Cup on your way there too.
Lady: you're good!!
(and then she pointed that I was good to my other co-workers. I felt so proud!)

The thing I have learned so far is that people come up to you with all sorts of inquiries, and you just try to do your best to help them, even if that means you have to go an extra mile. Might not mean much to you, but could mean a lot to them. It feels really nice to help other people, even though some appreciate it more than others.

I like this job. Maybe I could stay after the holidays.

Oh ya, my children will be doctors

I just read an interesting article on the Toronto Star about how asian parents almost push their kids to go into university to take high standard programs such as medicine, pharmacy, law, engineering and accounting, even thought some kids don't even have the talent or interest in them. And the consequence of that are children dropping out of school, failing, getting suspended, cheating or even break down to depression.

I totally feel and get what they are saying because I come from very traditional parents, and they obviously want the best for me. Thankfully, my parents let me fully take Communications and French and let my sister take her International Development Studies. However, I do recall them trying to convince me to get into Computer Science (since "I love computers so much") and trying to convince my sister to get into law (because "she's too good at arguing"). I also remember when I was choosing my university career I had to consult them several times. They rarely asked me questions like "do you really like that program?", "are you very interested in that program?", or "take whatever you are passionate about". They were more like "yes, that career can get you jobs" and "no, that's a useless program and you cannot find a job after". I mean, I understand that they want me to succeed after graduation. But one thing is taking something that I want to get a job with and another thing is to take something I am passionate about. Remember the time when I told my dad I wanted to go to cooking school and he told me "if you want to be a chef start by doing the dishes in the sink", or my mom telling me "yeah, right". Because that is something I am REALLY interested and passionate about learning! Besides doing art design, web design, and graphic design. Maybe theatre. Although Communications (or advertising) was certainly an option because of my interest in ads in high school.

The thing is that I feel (by noticing my parents and other chinese parents), that the chinese culture is very much focused in study and woring hard, but not so much on the social life (generally speaking, there are of course exceptions). Like the article said, "the Confucian tradition of respect for hard work and obedience “often overlooks creative skills and leadership and social skills". At least for the case of my parents, they usually don't allow me or are very restricted about me going to social gatherings, extra-curricular activities, and having a social life. So I went to school and went back directly home, everyday. This in turn has shaped the personality I used to have and maybe still have today: the shy, quiet, naive, anti-social type of girl. Maybe not so much now, but I am still bit shy and quiet because I have learned from other people (mostly non-asian), and not from my parents.

Since my first year at university I wanted to get a part-time job, so that I can gain experience and network with other people, and maybe earn some dollars. But I remember clearly that my parents told me to forget about part-time jobs, and that I needed to concentrate on my studies. Four years after, I have graduated and barely got a job. Why? Because I don't have much experience because I was too busy studying. I mean, it is not a bad thing concentrating on studies, but it's not like my grades were super high. Maybe because the rebellious me didn't listen to my parents and still got a social life at university with frosh week, volunteering, joining clubs, etc. which thankfully gave me a little bit of experience I can put on my resume. Of course, I did all these without asking my parents about it. They would have probably said no. But for me, experience is a lot more valuable than my grades. Because when you come out to work, it is the experience that counts. Employers won't care if you got an A or a C+ (well, it would be nice to get an A). But say, you have an A+ but no experience, contacts, or anything; where can that get you? And what if you got a C+ but your resume is filled with lots of different experiences that are valuable to the job you are applying for? Getting out of the classroom to meet other people, will help students get connections, who might hook you up with a job, right?

But I understand where chinese parents come from. China's economic situation wasn't the best about 25 years ago. And now with the technology, globalisation, immigration to first world countries, and the amount of freedom compared to those years, there is a huge gap of difference. Maybe that is why they want their kids to have the best education in order to have the best job, and therefore make lots of money. It is understandable and it is fair to say that. However, it is still unfair to make children take something they don't feel interested or have the passion about. A low interest will reflect on a low grade, which in turn will make the children miserable about their lives. I think it is important for asian parents to understand the many ways to success, that is not written on the books, but it is all around living the daily life and experiencing and learning.

And it is crazy that 72% of Toronto's Chinese-Canadian students are applying for universities while only 42% of Canadian students apply to universities. It is funny how the article says that some universities are becoming "too Asian" *cough Uot cough*. My sister who studies at UoT in Scarborough tells me that students, mostly asians, are very studious and very serious about their university careers. She even tells me that people go to the library past 12am, and maybe some even might as well pull a tent there and sleep overnight. Not saying that there is no social life there, but I do notice however, that most chinese students mingle with their own kind and don't usually go beyond. I find this also true at York. Maybe it's just the culture clash, the way people are raised. Thankfully I was encouraged to mingle with non-asians in costa rica (because I had mostly no choice since there aren't many chinese people there) and I feel totally comfortable socializing with non-asian people. My parents asked me in my first year if I made any chinese friends, I told them that I didn't because no chinese will come up to me and say hi, it was mostly canadians who did that. Needless to say they were disappointed. But you know what, this is another story...

The point is that I am glad that I found the article, because it is something I am concerned about. I believe in freedom of choice, that the person can choose either to go or not to university and choose what program they want to get in according to their interests or talents. People shouldn't be forced to take something parents want them to take, because it is their career and their life after all. I find it great that there are programs that speak to the chinese communities about the many ways of success besides the books, and to encourage their children to get to know other backgrounds, to socialize, and have more life experiences rather than locking themselves in a box in front of a book that can only tell you so much.

I am also glad and thankful that my parents at least give me 'some' freedom about my life and mostly agree with what I want to do in life.

This is Halloween This is Halloween

The time of the year have come again, Halloween parties. I really enjoy Halloween here in Canada, just because people take it very seriously, in a fun way. I mean, in Costa Rica the tradition has pretty much died and no one goes trick or treatin' anymore. I don't know if they make parties and stuff but the parties are certainly unlike the ones they have here in Canada. Let's say that Halloween in Costa Rica is pretty much like any regular day, in my opinion. But coming to Canada, Halloween is WICKED! (no pun intended). When I lived in residence we had so many events like Pumpkin Carving, Halloween Haunted House Decoration, Halloween Pub Nights, Halloween parties in the common rooms, and not counting the fact that the day is INFESTATED with CANDIES and chocolates. mmmm. Did I also mention Dressing up? and that I LOOOVE dressing up? The next is a compilation of my halloween costumes from the last 5 years:


I won't lie. Dressing up is fun. Wish I could dress up more more often.

I think Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year. Of course we can't have halloween without deliciousness like the cupcakes and cake me and Jacob made:


I have also decided to upload some deliciousness from the Internet which would have been a great idea to make.























Mmmmm tell me you don't want any of these....so yummy. Perfect excuse to bake and make stuff.

What's your Halloween like? Made any good stuff?

Vous n’avez pas les os en verre, vous pouvez vous cogner à la vie.

The other day i rewatched the movie Amelie and everytime I watch it it reminds me of how much like that movie and how meaningful it is to me.

Amelie is a French movie that was made in 2001. It is about a woman who accidentally finds a hidden treasure in her apartment that belonged to a boy who lived in his apartment about 50 years ago. She decides to return it to its owner. Seeing his reaction, she felt a great joy helping other people and decides to become a good-deed-er. She helps people around her including a random blind man to cross the streets while describing in details what is aroun the place, a guy that is mistreated by his boss at the grocery store, an old man whose bones are fragile as glass, his father who stays all day long in his house mourning for his wife and obsessed about the garden gnome, a lady who believes that his husband never loved her, and a hypochondriac in need of attention. She realizes later that she is doing all the good deeds for other people but forget about her own life, especially her love life. She falls in love with a guy who collects photo booth pictures from the floor, whom later grows an interest in Amelie for her mysterious ways of reaching him.

I don't consider Amelie as any other movie I have seen. For one, it goes to little details that are meaningless but are fun, like what every character likes and don't like. For instance, Amelie likes looking at details in movies nobody notices, sinking her hand into bags of beans, and breaking the top of the creme brulee with the spoon. Her mom does not like the wrikles she gets on her cheeck after getting up from bed. At the beginning of the movie, the narrator says:

On September 3rd 1973, at 6:28pm and 32 seconds, a bluebottle fly capable of 14,670 wing beats a minute landed on Rue St Vincent, Montmartre. At the same moment, on a restaurant terrace nearby, the wind magically made two glasses dance unseen on a tablecloth. Meanwhile, in a 5th-floor flat, 28 Avenue Trudaine, Paris 9, returning from his best friend's funeral, Eugène Colère erased his name from his address book. At the same moment, a sperm with one X chromosome, belonging to Raphaël Poulain, made a dash for an egg in his wife Amandine. Nine months later, Amélie Poulain was born.

The movie talks about people as if it was real, but that does not mean there are no room for imagination and creativity. For example, Nino finds himself talking to a guy who appears in the photo booth photo. Or when the fish decided to commit suicide and escapes from the fish bowl. Or the witty ideas to get revenge on the mean guy from the grocery store.

What I appreciate the most about the movie is that it makes me realize about the small things in life that people don't usually notice, or that people don't know they enjoy - also called life's simple pleasures. For example, skipping rocks in a river, eating raspberries from your fingers, organizing your purse, eating cereal marshmellows in the end, having warm showers, popping bubble wraps, etc.

On top of that, I really like the general message of the movie, the whole doing good deeds for other people and how they really make a difference and changing people's lives. Today's society we have become so individualistic that we only care about ourselves and be selfish with other people. Sometimes people forget how good it feels to help others and the difference you can make or the impact you might have on other people's life. Even something as simple as helping a blind man crossing the street or sending a happy song to someone who is depress could make a BIG difference on the other person. Let's not forget that we do after all live in a society with other people, and the best thing is that helping other people, those people might help you back. Or people helping you with nothing in return. That is when you think that life is good, and that there is a reason why you are living for.

I think that Amelie is a BRILLIAN movie that everyone should watch, even though it is only in French. It really does help you rethink about life and reappreciate life and people around you. It is a movie that makes you feel happy and bubbly in the end. I think you will also enjoy the music soundtrack. I would say it is a really wonderful work of art.

Miss Bachelor of Arts with Honours

So long, after four years of study cramming and lots and lots and lots of money, I HAVE OFFICIALLY GRADUATED!! =D

I had my convocation last Thursday. I was kinda stressed because it was the only day of the week that rained and was cold. I was just wearing a dress and a regalia. Thought a fall convocation wouldn't be that bad. I thought it would be nice and sunny, not too hot, not too cold, and nice to take pictures with the fall leaves. The ceremony wasn't bad. Thought it would be way too long, but time passed by really quickly (considering that many did not attend convocation). I was sad I was separated from my friend who also took Communications and French. But I was close to another Communications friend and some classmates I never really cared about. Then there was this girl who liked to point the obvious. It is kind of ironic she's graduating and she didn't seem very bright. The other guy next to me said she might be drunk. I would not be surprised. After it ended, I took a few photos with my friend, my mom (who came all the way to Costa Rica to see me graduate) and my boyfriend. I wanted to get some refreshments at the reception, but it was too crazy, I could barely get any food (mostly thanks to this lady who spent the time of her life picking cherry tomatoes one by one and never thought about moving). After that, me, my mom and my boyfriend went to a restaurant to celebrate. It was nice. Wish my dad was there, he would be very proud. But he didn't come with my mom and decided to stay taking care of his business (although he said he wanted to compensate me by giving me some ca$h. yay!)

Now after graduation, I was hoping job finding were A LOT easier. Ideally I would just finish university and then I will have a job. Unfortunetly, it is not my case. It is super hard, harder than I thought it would be. Seems like companies almost don't hire you for your degree but for your past experiences. This comes hard on me since I am competing with a lot of Canadians who start working at age 15 or 16. In Costa Rica most people don't work until they are like 18. Disadvantage for me there. Also, many students to part-time jobs while studying. Me, my parents told me to focus on my studies instead. You mean, I could have gained a lot of experience? Um, yeah. I should have also gone to college, where they give you internships in the last semester. College is more hands-on what you want to do. Not essay writing and reading at university. Although graduating from a prestiged university is good too. Can't underestimate the things I have learned in these past four years. Guess I could take experiences I have had at university, either working or volunteering and transfering them to the work force. Another disadvantage I have is that here Canadian people have connections, like friends and families, and I don't. Or barely don't.

What I can still do it to give my best, to not give up, and bring up my passion. Many might have the skills, but not too many have the passion, ammirite? I can also do a lot of research on the industries and companies I would like to work at. By the way, I heard Mad Men is about advertising? Might have to start watching a new show!

Bye bye full-time student, hello full-time job hunter....

Small girl with big ambitions

Job hunting is more exhausting than I could ever imagine. Right now I am a full-time job hunter. It is a very discouraging process and it takes so much time and effort. I have invested a lot of time in crafting resumes and cover letters according to the company I am applying to. It feels like a waste of time when those places you applied to never get back to you.

So far I have been looking for jobs almost non-stop. I have applied to couple places like Staples, Ikea, HMV, Shoppers Drugmart, GAP, Swiss Chalet, Air Canada, TD Bank, Scotiabank, Pulp&Fiber, Safeway Tours, and a few others. And so far I have only got two replies from them.

I applied for a job as a receptionist at some office. I was refered to it by a friend's friend. That person made sure I know it was a very boring job, yet I still applied to it. I went to the interview that lasted over an hour and the interviewer spoke more than I did. Needless to say, I got the job, but I declined it because I felt like the job wasn't really right for me. I mean, yeah, I can perform all the duties but I feel like if you don't enjoy the job, you will not give your greatest performance, which is what they really need. Don't get me wrong, I would love to work as a receptionist in a big company and whatnot. Just the environment around, the people I work with, and the type of company weren't really what I am looking for.

Couple weeks ago, I spoke to a guy, graduated from University and has a job in a marketing firm. He said, "don't take just any job. My experience is that people undervalue themselves, sometimes people can do better than that". And that's what I did with that job. My mom, however, thinks the opposite. She thinks I must take any job available. Doesn't matter if they don't pay well, it's boring, work long hours, etc. As long as it is a legit job that pays, I should take it.

I also got a couple phone calls wanting to schedule an interview from some companies. However, those companies are the "pyramid scheme" kind of type. Like, they hire you to pay you for commision - that means the more you sell, the more you make. But if you cannot sell, you make no money. So you refer the selling products to friends and family of yours. If they don't want it, they could refer you to THEIR friends and family. And goes on. A lot of people would consider it as a "scam". However, few of these companies are legit, but the layout of the business will screw you up. A lot of people pay to these companies (like certifications, lessons, security deposit of products, etc) before you even make money. My dad says "it is NOT a job if YOU have to pay the money. They should be the ones paying you money", which is totally true. I mean, those kind of companies pretty much target high school students, people with not much education, people in desperate need of money, and people who do not have knowledge about those companies. Luckily I do my research online before going to interview.

But I feel like I am working under pressure here because my parents want me to get a full-time job 9no matter what kind of job) for a full year so I can apply for Permanent Residence. For me, it is not like that. I want a job I like and feel like I can do. Feel comfortable doing for more than a year. I can't take just ANY kind of job, right? Like if they hire me as a garbage pick-up person for a year, doesn't mean I can go to that level (no offense, these people work really hard everyday). I am a recent graduate geez!

Hence the title of my blog: small girl with big ambitions. I want to end up eventually as a creative director in a big ad agency. Maybe I can work from copywriter to art director, and work from there up. I want my job to enhance my creativity. Make me do creative stuff like make slogans, direct a video, create posters, etc. Everyday would be different for me, and I don't have to put up with the mundane and routine. Everyday the same thing.

I would also like to open a cupcake store or a bakery because I love baking and making cupcakes. Make a store for kids. Those make a whole bunch of money! Take the example of McDonalds or Chuck E Cheese, or something like that. Attracting kids means attracting their parents. Good business! MY IDEA! lol.

Maybe I wanna work for Air Canada, I feel like they have great customer service. Working with international people and with a very well known company. I gotta take advantage of my multilingual skills in good use ;)

Yes! I wanna be Bigger and Better!!!!

....but I guess I have to start somewhere. anybody hiring?